Climate Messenger of Al-Gore to support Bangladesh’s fight against Climate Change

Swapan Kumar Saha : A delegation led by Mr. Lance Simmens, Climate Messenger of the former US Vice-President Al-Gore and currently a cabinet member  at the Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania”, met  Mr. Akramul Qader, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA & State Minister at the Embassy on 20 October.During the meeting, Bangladesh Ambassador apprised him about the vulnerability of Bangladesh while touching on the  various measures taken by the present Government to address the challenge. Being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, Ambassador Qader added, Bangladesh has identified climate issue as one of its priorities to deal with both nationally, regionally and internationally. Given the track record to fight climate menace with her own resources, Bangladesh Ambassador informed the dignitary that Bangladesh desires to establish an International Climate Adaptation Centre in Bangladesh dedicated to climate change adaptation research and modelling. He also sought  cooperation from friendly countries, groups, individuals &  friends in this regard.

While appreciating the on-going activities of the Government to meet the challenge, Mr. Simmens offered to dedicate himself for the cause of climate issue of Bangladesh &  propounded to sensitize the global community & mobilize public opinion in favor of Bangladesh. Considering the  prevailing ignorance in USA and elsewhere about the magnitude of theclimate challenge impact in general and Bangladesh’s vulnerability in particular, Mr. Simmens offered to help  produce a documentary film on behalf of Bangladesh which will ultimately depict the real effect on the

plight of  Bangladesh  due to climatic conditions. While appreciating his offer, Bangladesh Ambassador  assured him to  take up the issue with the concerned authorities in Bangladesh. Mr.  Simmens added that Bangladesh could get tremendous mileage by making such a documentary film available among the media houses and entertainment community in USA, in particular, where he has easy access due to his long association.

Mr. Simmens, who has earned accolade worldwide for making 93 power-point presentations on climate so far, offered to make a presentation at the Embassy. The Ambassador gladly accepted his offer and assured him to organize such an event soon in which US officials, academics, civil society members and other stake-holders  will be invited.

Mr. Lance Simmens, a world-renowned figure on the issue of climate change, is one of the climate messengers specially handpicked by the former US Vice President Al-Gore to sensitize the world about the adverse impact of climate change. He is currently the Special Assistant to the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania for Inter-Governmental Affairs.

It may be mentioned here that Bangladeshi-Americans based in Philadelphia organized  a seminar entitled “Help Our Planet Earth from Calamities due to Climate Change” on 21 March,2010. The event attracted presence from local leaders including local Congressmen, Senators and stake-holders and the event culminated in the signing of the “Philadelphia Declaration” to raise awareness at grass roots level throughout he USA as well as around the world. Mr. Lawrence made a presentation at the event and his today’s meeting with the Bangladesh Ambassador along with the delegation was  to take a stock about the progress made so far and to convey his commitment and eagerness to  work for Bangladesh on the climate issue.